Choice Hotels Asia Pacific launches Community Sports Grants Program

July 13, 2022

Leading hotel group, Choice Hotels Asia Pacific, has launched its $12,000 Choice Hotels Community Sports Grants Program to support registered sporting clubs and individual athletes as they return to sport across Australia and New Zealand.

Choice Hotels Asia Pacific will give its first $2,000 grant to Melbourne Special Olympics Athlete Chris McMahon to make his dream of competing in the 2022 Special Olympics National Games a reality.

Until the 22nd of August 2022, registered sporting clubs and individual athletes can apply to receive one of five remaining grants, with $2,000 available per club or athlete, to assist a club project or fund vital travel costs to compete in sporting events across Australia and New Zealand.

McMahon is a dedicated athlete, with almost 200 medals from state and club games across Australia. This year he has been selected to go to Launceston in October as part of the Tenpin Bowling Team.

Born with Downs Syndrome, McMahon’s NDIS funding did not cover his attendance this year, and Choice Hotels is delighted to help him continue to pursue his passion for the games.

Choice Hotels Asia Pac Senior Director, Strategy, Sales and Marketing Kari Hunter says Special Olympics Australia’s involvement in the Choice Sports Program is part of the not-for-profit organisation’s national fundraising efforts.

Each athlete must fundraise to cover the $3360 fee to attend and, in addition to this, each state team must fundraise the cost of sending support staff. This year Team Victoria is sending 213 athletes and a support crew of 40 staff.

Hunter notes “the Special Olympics provide a supportive and inspiring program for athletes with a disability, and we wanted to be able to support an athlete who might otherwise not have been able to attend the games.”

Since its launch in Australia 20 years ago, the leading hotel group has supported local community groups and sporting clubs. The ongoing Choice Sports Program provides club members with a 15% discount on accommodation with a bonus 7% rebate to the club

Hunter says community sport is at the heart of the towns and regions where the groups hotels operate with many properties in the group active participants and sponsors of local sporting clubs and events.

Hunter added “hosting travelling sporting teams and being part of the local community events is a highlight for our hoteliers. These grants give us an opportunity to help clubs and athletes who have struggled through lockdowns return to competition and drive projects that will encourage participation.

“We are thrilled to go one step further this year, supporting Chris and others in making their dreams come true after two years where competition has been challenging.’

Applications for this year’s Choice Community Sports Grant Program are now open and close Monday, 22nd August with recipients announced on Monday 5th, September 2022.

Image courtesy Special Olympics Australia

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